Sun shines on river racers

Thousands of people turned out to enjoy the summer sunshine and take part in annual races along the River Severn this weekend.

See pictures of both races in our photo gallery below.

The historic Ironbridge Regatta took place on Saturday and yesterday with about 500 crews taking part, while almost 600 people took part in dragon boat races (pictured above) in Shrewsbury yesterday.

Ironbridge Rowing Club, organiser the regatta, which has been has been running since the turn of the century, said the event went very well, with excellent weather on both days.

Phil Gardener, from the rowing club, said: "On Saturday, the Liverpool Victoria Men's Intermediate 8 won the prize from the Ironbridge Brewery of a cask of Ironbridge Gold Ale."

In Shrewsbury funds were being raised for the Severn Hospice in the dragon boat race.

Organisers are still waiting for sponsorship to come in, but they say they have raised at least £30,000 to support the charity.

The event saw 32 teams take to the river to race in three heats for a place in the final.

Hospice community fundraising manager Lucy Proctor praised those who took part.

"It was a fantastic day," she said. "Everything went smoothly and it was well supported with lots of people turning out to watch the races."

Scroll through our gallery below to see more pics of both events.

The Dragon Boat Race on the River Severn in Shrewsbury, which took place yesterday. Picture by Jim Hawkins.

Teams cheer as they sail towards the finish line. Picture by Jim Hawkins.

Crowds flocked to watch the races. Picture by Jim Hawkins.nextpage

Teams head for the finish line. Picture by Jim Hawkins.

Louis Katz, Howard, Alex Fenner, Milun Dhansingani and Meg Hollands from Pengwern Boat Club at the Ironbridge Regatta. Pictures by Peter Shah.

Teams from all over the country took part in the regatta. Picture by Peter Shah.nextpage

Sam Shaw from Pengwern Boat Club on the river. Picture by Peter Shah.

Chris Moss from Pengwern Boat Club rowed in the J15 double scull. Picture by Peter Shah.

Sarah Stanforth and Sue Roberts were in the novice women's double sculls for Ironbridge. Picture by Peter Shah.